Double Dipsea!

Yesterday morning, I ran the Double Dipsea, a crazy trail run that begins in Marin at Stinson Beach, goes to Mill Valley and back! It is 13.6 miles & 1400' elevation change of stairs, trail, roots, forest, prairie, & crazy hills. I absolutely loved every moment of it! Well, the last 2 miles were a little rough, but I think that was mostly because my legs had taken enough pounding and were close to exhaustion. I felt like I was "playing" the entire time, just running through the woods.

It is a handicap race, so depending upon age and gender, everyone started in a wave, based on a specified "handicap." I am still trying to figure out exactly what this means, but basically, while the waves help to spread the runners out, they also create gaps between the very old and very young runners and the speedy middle-agers. The winner of the race is the first person across the finish line. The clock begins when the last wave leaves the starting line, so essentially, the women's group that went out an hour prior had no "time" until that last group left Stinson Beach. Everyone tries to catch the runners from the waves in front, and if someone is really quick, he/she can try to catch the first wave, to win the race.


Anyway, all I know is I had a blast and I cannot wait to do it again. My legs definitely protested today and were quite sore! I used the foam roller at the gym this morning, which brought tears to my eyes, but I am convinced it works! I decided against my bike ride to Marin today, in order to recover both mentally and physically! Sometimes I just need a break!

I hit a tourist...

with my bike!

I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. She was walking toward me and totally not paying attention, and doing these spinny things in the middle of the sidewalk. She should know how to walk in a straight line--she was about 45--it wasn't like she was 13! I then ran into the railing, but stayed on my bike. By the way, I was on the correct (right) side. On weekdays before 3pm, all walkers and bikers use the east side of the Bridge (weekends and after 3pm weekdays, bikers use the west side, walkers use the east side). The tourists were especially bad today, completely in their own world and all over the walkway. This was the first ride I have been on in long time where I was more irritated when I got back then when I left! :) Usually it's the opposite. I bought a whistle especially for this reason, but I forgot it....

Oh dear!

AC CPT, at your service!

Yes! I passed my Certified Personal Training test! Whew, such a relief. I am so happy to have it behind me. I had to memorize the body-assessment table in order to pass! This table helps assess muscle imbalances, weakness (underactive) and tightness (overactive) when doing basic assessment testing. I can tell you that if your feet turn out during an overhead-squat assessment, you may have overactive soleus, bicept femoris or TFL; and underactive medial hamstring and/or glute maximus (among others). TMI!?

So, now the fun begins. I got a job as a trainer at a gym downtown. This week I began training, and as with any new job, my head is swimming with new information, procedures, co-workers' names. I am going to work 2 jobs for a while to see how it goes. As time goes on, I will be more in control of my schedule at the gym. Right now it is just a little intense!

In the photo above, you'll see Ruth, Laura, and me at what looks like a "beach." Well, kind of. We rented a cabin in Truckee over Memorial Day weekend and behind us in the photo is Lake Tahoe. It was so great to get away for the weekend. The weather was amazing. We took a few rides--around Donner Lake and part way around Lake Tahoe. The elevation (I think it's 7000') made everything a little more difficult. Hill-climbing was incredibly hard on my lungs! I can see why people train at elevation--they come down to a city like SF and they can just fly!